Best Hiking Trails Around the World in City of Calamba, Laguna, Philippines
1. Mt. Makiling
Straddling Calamba and Sta. Cruz, this mystical mountain offers challenging trails with lush landscapes and a unique 'baboy' trail that leads to the 'Laban ng Halini' spring.
- Mythical Presence: Rich in local folklore, Mt. Makiling is considered a sacred site and home to various mythical creatures.
- Biodiversity: Home to numerous species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Philippine Eagle.
- Cultural Significance: A popular destination for spiritual pilgrimages due to its status as a sacred mountain in Filipino mythology.
2. Mt. Batulao
Located near Calamba City, Mt. Batulao offers a relatively easy hike for beginners with stunning views of Laguna de Bay.
- Easy Accessibility: One of the nearest mountains from Manila, making it easily accessible for day hikes.
- Panoramic Views: Offers a beautiful view of Laguna de Bay, one of the largest lakes in the Philippines.
- Scenic Trails: Known for its scenic trails filled with various flora and fauna.
3. Mt. Nakar
Situated between Calamba City and Pililla, Mt. Nakar offers challenging trails with a beautiful lake at the summit.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides a more challenging hike compared to other nearby mountains.
- Lake at Summit: Features a beautiful lake at the summit, offering a serene and picturesque environment.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly birds.
4. Mt. Palay-Palay
A lesser-known mountain in Calamba City with diverse landscapes, including grasslands and rainforests.
- Diverse Landscapes: Offers a variety of landscapes, making it an exciting hiking experience.
- Less Crowded: Less crowded compared to other nearby mountains, providing a more peaceful hiking experience.
- Rainforest Preservation: Part of the larger Mt. Banahaw-Makiling Forest Reserve, helping in rainforest conservation efforts.
5. Caliraya Eco-Trail
A network of hiking trails around Caliraya Lake, offering scenic views and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of Caliraya Lake and the surrounding countryside.
- Birdwatching: Provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching due to its location in a rich bird habitat.
- Eco-Friendly Activities: Promotes eco-friendly activities, such as tree planting and waste management initiatives.
6. Mt. Pico de Loro
Located in Nasugbu, Batangas, Mt. Pico de Loro offers challenging trails and a famous 'Parrot's Beak' peak.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides a more challenging hike with steep inclines and narrow trails.
- Iconic Landmark: Features the iconic 'Parrot's Beak' peak, offering a memorable photo opportunity.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Offers scenic coastal views of Nasugbu Bay and the West Philippine Sea.
7. Mt. Guiting-Guiting
A challenging mountain located in Sibuyan Island, Romblon Province, known for its steep terrain and diverse wildlife.
- Steep Terrain: Provides a physically demanding hike due to its steep inclines and challenging trails.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to various species of flora and fauna, including the endemic Sibuyan Flowerpecker.
- Island Adventure: Offers an adventurous island experience, as it is located in Sibuyan Island.
8. Mt. Halcon
A challenging mountain located in Mindoro Oriental, known for its steep terrain and diverse wildlife.
- Steep Terrain: Provides a physically demanding hike due to its steep inclines and challenging trails.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to various species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Philippine Eagle.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Offers scenic coastal views of Mindoro Strait and the West Philippine Sea.
9. Mt. Apo
The highest peak in the Philippines, Mt. Apo offers challenging trails with a rewarding summit view.
- Highest Peak: Offers the challenge of climbing the highest peak in the Philippines.
- Scenic Summit View: Features a scenic summit view, including the nearby Lake Venado and Crater Lake.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Traverses diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforest to alpine tundra.
10. Mt. Pulag
Located in Luzon, Mt. Pulag offers challenging trails and the famous 'Sea of Clouds' at sunrise.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides a physically demanding hike due to its steep inclines and challenging trails.
- Sea of Clouds: Famous for the 'Sea of Clouds' that appears at sunrise, creating a breathtaking sight.
- Biodiversity: Home to various species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Philippine Eagle.
11. Mt. Kitanglad
Located in Bukidnon, Mt. Kitanglad offers challenging trails and the chance to see the Philippine Eagle.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides a physically demanding hike due to its steep inclines and challenging trails.
- Philippine Eagle Sightings: Offers the chance to spot the endangered Philippine Eagle.
- Cultural Experience: Provides opportunities for cultural experiences with local tribes, such as the Manobo.
12. Mt. Dulang-Dulang
Located in Bukidnon, Mt. Dulang-Dulang offers challenging trails and the chance to see the rare Philippine cockatoo.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides a physically demanding hike due to its steep inclines and challenging trails.
- Rare Bird Sightings: Offers the chance to spot the rare Philippine cockatoo.
- Scenic Views: Features scenic views of Bukidnon's rolling hills and verdant landscapes.
13. Mt. Apo, Davao City
Another Mt. Apo location, this time in Davao City, offers challenging trails and a unique cultural experience.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides a physically demanding hike due to its steep inclines and challenging trails.
- Unique Cultural Experience: Offers opportunities for cultural experiences with local tribes, such as the T'boli and Manobo.
- Scenic Summit View: Features a scenic summit view, including the nearby Lake Venado and Crater Lake.
14. Mt. Kanlaon
Located in Negros Occidental, Mt. Kanlaon offers challenging trails with the chance to see an active volcano.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides a physically demanding hike due to its steep inclines and challenging trails.
- Active Volcano: Offers the opportunity to see an active volcano, with potential eruptions adding to the excitement.
- Biodiversity: Home to various species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Negros bleeding-heart pigeon.
15. Mt. Kalbayo
Located in Sorsogon, Mt. Kalbayo offers challenging trails and the chance to see the majestic Mayon Volcano.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides a physically demanding hike due to its steep inclines and challenging trails.
- Majestic Mayon View: Offers the chance to see the majestic, near-perfect cone of the active Mayon Volcano.
- Biodiversity: Home to various species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Philippine Eagle.